These days, buying a used car on a budget can be a challenge. However, if you’re looking at getting into an SUV and have about $12,000 to work with, there are several great options. Here are our picks for the 10 best SUVs you can find for under $12,000, based on Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price.
Looking for a used SUV on a different budget? More used SUV picks: Best Used SUVs Under $5,000 | Under $10,000 | Under $15,000
1. 2013 Toyota RAV4
The roomy and comfortable Toyota RAV4 is a fuel-efficient compact SUV that’s known for reliability and high resale value. The RAV4 entered an all-new generation for 2013. It came standard with an impressive list of safety features, a thrifty 4-cylinder engine, Bluetooth connectivity, and underfloor storage. The RAV4 also boasts a massive cargo area.
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2. 2014 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a benchmark in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V is a popular choice because of its user-friendly, comfortable cabin, a terrific combination of power and efficiency, and a refined ride. It’s peppy, too, while netting fuel economy as good as 31 mpg, or 30 mpg with optional all-wheel drive (AWD). At this price point, you should be able to find an LX, EX, or possibly a top-of-the-line EX-L.
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3. 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
If you want to find a reliable 3-row SUV for a reasonable price, there may be no better place to start your search than with a used Toyota Highlander. In fact, with a $12,000 budget, you should be able to find all trim levels of the 2011 Highlander Hybrid within your budget. The Hybrid comes standard with 280 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and fuel economy of 28 mpg combined.
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4. 2014 Honda Pilot
With room for eight people, available all-wheel drive, and numerous standard safety features, the 2014 Honda Pilot is a terrific minivan alternative. Its boxy design creates plenty of headroom and cargo space. In addition, despite its midsize SUV dimensions, the Pilot is smooth and roomy, and drives like a large car.
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5. 2014 Acura MDX
With the 2014 Acura MDX, you can have the practicality of a fuel-efficient 3-row midsize SUV with helpful tech features and a touch of luxury. This model year was the start of a new generation of the MDX, with excellent fuel economy, a quieter ride, and easy push-button access to the third row. All-wheel drive is optional and available in the sub-$12,000 price range.
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6. 2015 Mazda CX-5
Thanks to its fantastic handling and steering response, the Mazda CX-5 is the sportiest SUV on this list, but that doesn’t take anything away from its practical nature or impressive reliability. When we priced the 2015 CX-5, all three trim levels were within reach in this budget. We recommend looking for the Touring or Grand Touring, as they use the larger engine, which is essentially as efficient as the base engine. These trims also come standard with more safety and convenience features.
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7. 2012 Lexus RX
If you’re willing to turn back the clock, you can get into the reliable, upscale Lexus RX for less than $12,000. This midsize luxury SUV has the creature comforts and quiet interior you would expect from a vehicle with the Lexus badge on it. It also boasts generous cargo space, which you can access via the power liftgate. Both the gas RX 350 and the hybrid RX 450 are available in this price range.
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8. 2015 Subaru Outback
For as long as the Subaru Outback has been on the market, it has established itself as a spacious midsize SUV alternative that’s ready for outdoor adventure. It has the interior room to keep all five aboard comfortable, with wagonlike cargo space for their gear. An all-new generation came out for 2015, with more capable all-wheel drive and Subaru’s EyeSight advanced driver assist system. You can find both engines and all trim levels in this budget.
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9. 2017 Nissan Rogue
The 2017 Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV with a simple, straightforward interior with comfortable seats. It was offered with either a gas or a hybrid powertrain, both of which fall within our budget. The gas version was even offered with a small but handy third-row seat. There’s decent storage space in the cabin and the cargo area, and fuel economy is as good as 35 mpg on the highway in the Hybrid (33 with gas).
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10. 2016 Nissan Murano
If you want a roomier, more luxurious 2-row SUV, the 2016 Nissan Murano could be just what you’re looking for. Its modern styling and upscale interior still look good today. Thanks to soft, accommodating seats, a smooth ride, and a large cargo area, the Murano is a great road-trip vehicle for up to five people. Better yet, the Murano gets up to 30 mpg on the highway in hybrid form, and more than 450 miles of range across the lineup.
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10 Best Used SUVs Under $12,000
- 2013 Toyota RAV4
- 2014 Honda CR-V
- 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 2014 Honda Pilot
- 2014 Acura MDX
- 2015 Mazda CX-5
- 2012 Lexus RX
- 2015 Subaru Outback
- 2017 Nissan Rogue
- 2016 Nissan Murano